Educating Homecare Nurses about Deprescribing of Medications to Manage Polypharmacy for Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, and effectiveness of educational intervention with homecare nurses about deprescribing of medications among older adults. An evaluation research study was conducted using survey design to evaluate deprescribing education with a total sample of 45 homecare nurses from three homecare organizations. Post-training evaluation data were evaluated using Likert scale and open-ended questions were analyzed using descriptive statistical analyses and qualitative thematic analysis. Post-intervention questionnaire responses provided descriptions about homecare nurses’ perspectives related to deprescribing education, as well as the effectiveness of training in addressing their knowledge gaps. The pilot-testing of deprescribing learning modules and educational training revealed acceptability and suitability for future scale-up to expand its future reach and adoption by other homecare organizations. This study provided important implications into the barriers that impact the effectiveness of deprescribing education, and facilitators that support the future refinement of learning modules.